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Leopards on the Loose: Badlapur Residents Fear Big Cats
16 Dec
Summary
- Leopard activity near Badlapur sparks fear after attacking pets and livestock.
- Urbanization and habitat destruction blamed for increased human-leopard conflict.
- Forest Department is actively searching for the two elusive leopards.
Forest Department teams are engaged in a week-long operation to capture two leopards sighted near residential areas in Badlapur, instilling fear among locals. Incidents captured on CCTV, showing the leopards attacking dogs and goats, have heightened concerns.
Experts and residents point to rapid urbanization and the destruction of natural habitats as the root cause of this escalating human-leopard conflict. Infrastructure projects are also believed to be displacing wildlife, forcing them into populated areas.
The Forest Department has deployed traps and public announcements to alert the community. Despite efforts, the leopards have evaded capture, with evidence suggesting a movement corridor from Kalyan towards Badlapur.
